Brethren:
The father of our country, George Washington’s birthday is February 22nd. George Washington was not only a model to all presidents who have followed him, but also every man who has become a Mason. Washington became a Freemason at the tender age of 20 and lived the tenets of Freemasonry in every aspect of his life until the day he died. In Masonic terms, he remained "a just and upright Mason" and became a true Master Mason. Washington was, in Masonic terms, a "living stone" who became the cornerstone of American civilization. His leadership remains the example that other civilizations follow to find liberty and equality.
No matter how much he was respected by men, or busy as the president of the United States, he never stopped being an active Mason. Washington took the oath of President for his first term on a Masonic bible from St. John’s Lodge in New York. While in office he visited Masons in North and South Carolina and presided over the cornerstone ceremony for the U.S. Capitol in 1793. Even in retirement from public service, he gave his time to the fraternity by being the first Master of the newly chartered Alexandria Lodge No. 22. George Washington is Freemasonry's "perfect ashlar" upon which countless Master Masons gauge their labors in their own Lodges and in their own communities.
Do you live the tenets of Freemasonry in every aspect of your life? If someone was asked about you, would they say you were a good and upright man? This President’s Day, take a moment to reflect upon what George Washington helped create for this nation and Freemasonry. Then ask yourself, what legacy will I leave behind?
William M. Zeltman III, Worshipful Master
Attest: Jack A. E. Ford, Secretary
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